Myanmar: Forced evictions by junta troops near Wanbao's Letpadaung copper mine spark tensions
Junta forces are threatening forceful eviction of Wet Hmay villagers near the Letpadaung Copper Project, a Chinese-Myanmar military joint venture, in Sagaing. After fencing the village, claiming it's within the mining area, Wanbao officials demanded immediate relocation of 35 households, disclaiming responsibility for any ensuing military actions.
Additionally, resistance forces recently apprehended 14 Pyu Saw Htee militia members heading to guard the Letpadaung mine. Most recruits were young men from Thabaung. A former mine security policeman also surrendered, revealing on-site military training for heavy weaponry operation and active militia recruitment by the junta.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Wanbao Mining to respond. It did not.